{
  "id": "z-8s",
  "name": "Z-8S (Zhishengji-8S)",
  "aliases": [],
  "domain": "air",
  "country": "CHN",
  "category": "Naval search and rescue helicopter",
  "status": null,
  "fielded": 2004,
  "operators": [
    "CHN"
  ],
  "prolif_count": 1,
  "summary": "For ASW missions, the Z-8 is equipped with surface search radar and a French HS-12 dipping sonar while carrying a Whitehead A244S torpedo under the starboard side of the fuselage. The rotorcraft were also used to ferry supplies from replenishment ship to surface combatants, and transport marines from the landing ship to the shore.",
  "specs": [
    {
      "k": "",
      "label": "Manufacturer",
      "section": "system",
      "v": "Sud Aviation Aérospatiale",
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ],
      "conf": "medium"
    },
    {
      "k": "crew",
      "v": 3,
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ],
      "conf": "medium"
    },
    {
      "k": "",
      "label": "Hardpoints",
      "section": "armament",
      "v": "2 ea",
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ],
      "conf": "medium"
    },
    {
      "k": "engine_name",
      "v": "3 x Turbomeca Turmu IIIC Turboshaft Engines",
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ],
      "conf": "medium"
    },
    {
      "k": "",
      "label": "Thrust / power",
      "section": "mobility",
      "v": "1,570 hr each engine",
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ],
      "conf": "medium"
    },
    {
      "k": "range_km",
      "v": 1020,
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ],
      "conf": "medium"
    },
    {
      "k": "ceiling_m",
      "v": 3150,
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ],
      "conf": "medium"
    },
    {
      "k": "",
      "label": "Rate of climb",
      "section": "mobility",
      "v": "401 meters per min; 6.66 m/s",
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ],
      "conf": "medium"
    },
    {
      "k": "",
      "label": "Endurance",
      "section": "mobility",
      "v": "4 hours",
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ],
      "conf": "medium"
    },
    {
      "k": "",
      "label": "Sonobuoys",
      "section": "firecontrol",
      "v": "Available",
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ],
      "conf": "medium"
    },
    {
      "k": "",
      "label": "NBC Protection",
      "section": "protection",
      "v": "Yes",
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ],
      "conf": "medium"
    },
    {
      "k": "",
      "label": "Counter Measures (Chaff/Flares)",
      "section": "protection",
      "v": "Yes",
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ],
      "conf": "medium"
    },
    {
      "k": "",
      "label": "Wing Mounted Weapons",
      "section": "armament",
      "v": "A naval SAR version, designated as the Z-8S, was outfitted with upgraded avionics, a searchlight, FLIR turret and a hoist,",
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ],
      "conf": "medium"
    }
  ],
  "payloads": [],
  "variants": [
    {
      "name": "Z-8A",
      "text": "The Z-8A is a military version of the original model Z-8 and is used for transportation.",
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "Z-8F",
      "text": "The Z-8F is an advance utility variant. The variant is used for search and rescue, general utility and logistics support missions. The Z-8F is installed with three Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B turboshaft engines.",
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "Z-8K/KA",
      "text": "The Z-8K is an enhanced version of Z-8F, built primarily to execute search and rescue missions. This variant is also fitted with forward looking infra-red (FLIR) sensors and a search light underneath the cockpit.",
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "Z-8JA",
      "text": "The Z-8JA is a ship-borne variant of Z-8. It is able to land on water. Z-8JA and Z-8JH are currently in service with PLANAF, executing transport and medical evacuation operations respectively.",
      "src": [
        "weg-z-8s"
      ]
    }
  ],
  "art": "helicopter",
  "image": null,
  "verified": null,
  "changelog": [
    {
      "date": "2026-10-10",
      "change": "Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import"
    }
  ],
  "url": "https://www.defensepedia.com/systems/z-8s.html",
  "sources": {
    "weg-z-8s": {
      "title": "Z-8S (Zhishengji-8S) Chinese Naval Search and Rescue Helicopter",
      "publisher": "U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)",
      "url": "https://odin.t2com.army.mil/WEG/Asset/Z-8S_Zhishengji-8S_Chinese_Naval_Search_and_Rescue_Helicopter",
      "published": "2026-03-20",
      "tier": 1,
      "checked": "2026-10-10"
    }
  }
}